Windsor Public Library to attract 1 million annual patrons at new AGW site.

Windsorites know a little something about team work and innovation. We know how to pull together, roll up our sleeves and go to work. We do what it takes to make our community a better place to live and invest through cooperation, teamwork and innovation. It’s what makes me proud to speak up and tell everyone, I’m from Windsor.

And the Windsor Public Library Board is no different. Everything we do is focused on community. When the invitation came to join with City Council and help plan a new downtown Recreation and Culture Hub with the inclusion of a new downtown library – the Windsor Public Library Board jumped at the chance. Being part of a new downtown development – a go-to destination for area families and tourism– is exciting and energizing.

Last June, City Council passed resolutions to have Windsor Public Library play a major role in downtown renewal. The original plan called for us to vacate 850 Ouellette Avenue in mid-2013 to become part of the Aquatic Centre complex. In recent days an opportunity presented itself which provided the Library Board with an opportunity to move transition plans forward and partner with another excellent downtown institution – to form the base for a downtown Recreation and Culture Hub.

We are bringing our transition plans forward to Spring 2012 and will be co-locating at the Art Gallery of Windsor. Much of the materials and programming on the first floor of the Ouellette Avenue location will be moving to the first floor at the Art Gallery of Windsor. Plans call for further development of the AGW site in the near future, with a focus on the already established library branch. For the foreseeable future, Administration and Support Services will continue at the Ouellette location, Windsor’s Community Archives will remain at the current location and all of the materials and services currently available will continue – but on the second floor.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on City Council for showing confidence and trust in the Library Board: again, only through cooperation, teamwork and innovation can Windsor move ahead successfully. The City of Windsor has pledged to help with the transition and the Art Gallery should be applauded for recognizing the benefits of this plan.

Transition to the Art Gallery of Windsor and the Recreation and Culture Hub will begin immediately. It’s tremendous to be obtaining the Art Gallery space as we can explore new initiatives and partnerships and get a start on planning innovative programming with the AGW and others that will be the envy of public libraries across North America.

It’s my personal belief that libraries, over the next decade, will change beyond recognition. No longer will we need miles and miles of industrial shelving. I see smaller libraries. Environmentally friendly libraries. Libraries incorporating the latest technology. Libraries where customers can visit with their portable electronic devices – to download material, connect to material, conduct business or simply relax. Libraries will also be people places. Places to meet. I see libraries as a preeminent owner of public space, for workshops, talks, meetings, screenings – places which foster community art and performers, places where the community feels safe. For this to happen, Windsor Public Library needs to be in the Recreation and Culture Hub and the AGW space is a perfect canvas for us to make this happen.

Our vision calls for Windsor Public Library to be an amazing public place at the AGW. It will be welcoming – a place where you can spend hours and want to return. The foot traffic generated presently by the AGW and WPL is close to one million annually – with the inclusion of the Aquatic Centre, the Recreation and Culture Hub will prove to be extremely busy.

I have been assured by the library CEO that this plan can work and that all programs and services will be retained. As we progress through the transition, resources and materials from Ouellette Avenue will go to strengthen our other branches and local schools now – rather than in two years. A definite plus for the entire community.

Cooperation, teamwork and innovation – all characteristics of a caring, giving community. The Windsor Public Library Board and City Council working together toward a common goal – a better community. And both bodies joining with the Art Gallery of Windsor to achieve a go-to destination downtown.

I would say it’s a win-win for all involved. The future is bright and exciting and there is more to come.

Stay tuned.

City Councillor Al Maghnieh is Chair of the Windsor Public Library Board.

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